Welcome to this month’s edition of the W-Files. On behalf of the teaching staff, I would like to start by acknowledging the parents who attended our second semester Parent-Teacher Interviews. We greatly value the partnership we have with families and the role these events play in improving student learning and pathways.

Staff were very productive spending the recent student-free professional practice day working collaboratively on moderating assessments, creating resources and tasks for Term 4 classes. We have also been busy documenting our curricula to align with new templates in preparation for our upcoming school review.

As previously mentioned, all government schools undergo a four-year review, developing a contextualised strategic plan for school improvement for the next four years. This review includes ensuring all required school policies, child safe standards and curricula are in place and documented.

In recent weeks, the Williamstown High School community has been actively engaged in a range of events, including: the School for Student Leadership program, Immersion and vocational major project showcases, Elevate Education exam preparation sessions, the RAISE mentoring program, a variety of wellbeing activities for R U OK? and Wear It Purple days, subject selection, interschool sporting competitions and a number of wonderful music and dance concerts.

I was also pleased to see we had a record number of entries in our Principal’s Writing Competition this year. This competition highlights the importance of literacy for our students, and I was thoroughly engaged and entertained reading the numerous entries. Please find competition winners in the W-Files following their official announcement and presentations at our assemblies.

We have recently upgraded our gym projectors to enhance student showcases and awareness-raising messages delivered at our school assemblies and information evenings. Our recent student-led end-of-term assemblies made good use of these upgrades, not only celebrating outstanding student achievement across the school but also allowing students to display their diverse and wonderful talents.

Our Year 12 students were also able to reflect on their time at school and advise the Year 10s and 11s about making the most of the opportunities ahead. Please enjoy reading about the whole range of activities our students have been involved with in our W-Files.

Staffing and planning for 2026

We have spent a significant amount of time this term preparing for 2026. We have advertised statewide to fill a campus assistant principal role. Following Darren Nicholas’s departure last year, this position had been filled as an internal acting role but has now been filled as a permanent position.

I am pleased to announce that we have appointed Debra Francis to the position. I will welcome Debra to the school community when she commences with us at the start of 2026. Debra has vast leadership experience in different school settings, most recently at the Grange and Suzanne Cory secondary schools, and is looking forward to joining our school community.

With student subjects and electives chosen, we were able to identify our exact staffing needs. We have advertised these vacancies, and I am pleased to report that applications to work at WHS remain high for both experienced and graduate teachers.

Year 9 Immersion

The recent Year 9 Immersion project showcase was once again inspiring and engaging. I was impressed by the work put in by all groups and enjoyed listening to how working on these projects had a profound impact on them. The Term 3 Immersion students were also keen to have their project display included in my W-Files report, so please enjoy the roll of display photos below:

Dining Hall and Naming Competition and Logo

Our new covered dining hall at Bayview is still under construction, following permit and weather delays. I am still hopeful this will be completed in time for the sunny days approaching. At the Bayview end-of-term assembly, I presented certificates for the winning entries for the naming and logo for the dining hall. There were some outstanding suggestions, with a somewhat ‘controversial’ name chosen.

Eat Fast Dining Hall

This is obviously a clever connection to our school motto, ‘Hold Fast’, and to ensure we are not sending a message to our students regarding eating practices that lead to indigestion issues, we will place a sign on the dining hall wall to the effect of:

“You won’t be late for class

when your feasting at

dining hall eat fast.”

Ryan Nguyen from 7F submitted the winning entry and was presented with a certificate and his homegroup. 7F will now be treated to a Hot Wings lunch in Term 4.

Anya Sajnovic was also presented with a certificate to acknowledge the clever logo she created. This will be installed together with the name on out new dining hall building.

This will be a fantastic addition to the Bayview Campus and I am looking forward to the students utilising this upon completion.

Student Forum

I am very passionate about providing our students with a safe, inclusive and engaging school environment. And who better to hear from about this than our students? With this in mind, our youth worker Alannah and I conducted our first ever Student Voice Forum for both Bayview and Pasco students. An invitation was sent to all students providing them with the opportunity to be involved.

Lots of positive reflections were made, as well as a range of suggestions to enhance the student experience. These are now being unpacked and will be shared with relevant staff as well as student/staff working parties created to implement initiatives.

Here are some feedback and photos from the forum:

• “The Student Voice Forum allowed students to collaborate and share ideas in a safe environment. It was a really fun and engaging experience that encouraged students to speak up about how they think the school can be improved and why.”

• “Doing the Student Voice made me feel heard and empowered to do more. Everyone listened and considered your ideas. If there’s ever another one, I’ll be there!”

• “I just wanted to say how amazing the Student Voice Forum went. We should definitely do another one (possibly even longer!)”

• “Thank you Mr Catalano and Alannah for the Student Voice Forum. It was so much fun and great to be listened to! I can’t wait to see some of our ideas happen at school.”

“It was inspiring to see so many students come together at the Student Voice Forum to share their ideas, experiences and visions for our school. The forum gave students the chance to speak openly about what matters most to them - from everyday school experiences to the bigger changes they’d like to see in the future.

“Working in groups, they came up with practical solutions and creative ideas, highlighting not only areas for growth but also the passion and leadership our young people bring to shaping their school community. We are extremely excited to continue making this an ongoing part of our school culture and look forward to our continued work with these students, building on the energy and ideas shared.”

- Alannah, WHS Youth Worker

Plaque and Honour board

With our legacy building works and official openings now complete at the Centenary Theatre and Performing Arts Wing, we have installed a commemorative plaque to both acknowledge the efforts of the WHS community as well as highlight what a wonderful facility we now have.

We have also installed our Music Honour Board in the Performing Arts Wing, following yet another wonderful donation from retired long-serving WHS music leader Finn Koren. Thank you to all individuals who have made contributions to these projects over the years.

Thank you emails

It always fills me with pride when I receive glowing emails about our students, and I do like to share some of these with the WHS community to both instill the same sense of pride in all of us as well as inspire and make visible role model behaviour. Please enjoy reading a recent email I received:

Good morning Gino. This morning while I was out walking I had the pleasure of meeting a group of your students. They were surveying people at Williamstown Beach about environmental issues, and I was so impressed with them that I felt compelled to contact you and let you know. They were such lovely, polite young people. Thank you to you and your staff for what you do every day, teaching our kids. Kind regards, Michele

Wishing all families and staff a restful break leading into a busy and exciting Term 4.

Hold fast!

Gino Catalano

Term 3 has been alive with energy and activity, and it’s been wonderful to watch our students embrace every opportunity with enthusiasm. The second half of the term has seen our Year 7 and 8 students contributing to the campus through participation in sporting events, incursions and lunchtime clubs, while our Year 9 students finalised their subject selections for 2026 at the Pasco Campus. Term 4 will see our Year 9 students starting their transition to Pasco.

Spring Concert

The annual Spring Concert held on Monday, 8 September, was well attended by families. The concert was an amazing showcase of our Bayview students' talent. A big thank you to our dedicated music staff for the work they put in for this amazing event.

R U OK? Day

R U OK? Day reminds us of the power of simply checking in with one another. Our student leaders embraced this message wholeheartedly, creating a week brimming with fun and meaningful connection.

Student leadership organised engaging Kahoot quizzes for homegroup sessions, an out of uniform day celebration and cupcake conversations where cupcakes were given out at lunch time with a little R U OK? topper that had a question that students used to check in with a friend.

The weeklong celebration finished with a flourish on Friday. The day began with an R U OK? themed Breakfast Club complete with Gabbie and Zeb playing their saxophones, creating a warm and welcome space for students to enjoy their morning. Later in the day we saw our Year 12 VCE VM students come to Bayview to run a range of engaging activities with Bayview students, including rice paper roll making, bracelet making, sporting activities and minute-to-win-it game.

Our student leadership team should be incredibly proud of the kindness and meaningful conversations they inspired across the campus.

Facilities

Our futsal courts are taking shape beautifully, with synthetic turf laid over the final weekend of term. We can’t wait to see students enjoying this new space when Term 4 begins.

At the recent celebration assembly, Mr Catalano proudly unveiled the name of our new outdoor dining area, which is on track for completion later in Term 4. This will be a fantastic addition to our campus for students to gather, eat and connect.

Thank you to every student, staff member and family who helped make Term 3 such a vibrant and memorable part of our school year. We look forward to an equally exciting Term 4!

Term 3 has absolutely flown by with so many great activities held in and around the school over nine short weeks. We aim to have all teaching and assessment for the Units 3&4 programs in VCE, VCE-VM and VET completed by the end of term to allow sufficient time for students undertaking the end-of-year VCAA Examinations to prepare.

Early in Term 4, the Class of 2025 will begin their end-of-school celebrations. I am confident that, as in previous years, these celebrations will be done respectfully, allowing students and staff to enjoy the exciting activities planned for the Year 12s.

Footscray Hospital Visit

Williamstown High School had the privilege of being invited to attend a special behind-the-scenes tour of the nearly completely new Footscray Hospital. Three students from our Allied Health programs - Maddison Kiff, Devon Rego and Mackenzie Speakman - alongside our new school nurse, Murph, were personally shown around the construction site by local MP Melissa Horne. It was such an exciting opportunity to show our students a possible future worksite where they might work one day.

Building Update

I am pleased to report the building works on our beloved Q-Block and Food Room continue and are set to be completed on time later in the year. The school meets regularly with contractors and the Victorian Schools Building Authority. We have highlighted the VCAA examination period and will ensure no noisy works are completed during that time, so that all Units 3&4 students can complete their examinations free from distractions. Additionally, the Year 10 and 11 examinations will not be affected, with similar noise restrictions in place.

Year 12 Students

Our Year 12 students continue to show incredible commitment to their studies and are hard at work finishing courses and beginning to prepare for examinations. All students undertaking Units 3&4 study are encouraged to use the additional support offered at WHS and work hard in preparation for the end-of-year exam period. Please make a note of important dates (including when Masterclass sessions are on), attend the Alumni Tutoring program in the library on Mondays and Wednesdays, and attend the trial examinations and Connect lectures as they are offered.

Careers and Pathways

Careers and pathways advice and counselling support is available to all students, please refer to the Careers Newsletter on our website for valuable information regarding your options. Our careers team, led by Ms Bovdis, is incredibly dedicated and available to help students make informed choices about their futures.

New Staff - Wellbeing

Celina Aguiar, our student wellbeing coordinator, has recently joined us at the senior campus. Helen Vaxevanis will also be joining us in Term 4 in the mental health practitioner role. A range of support is available to all students. Families and students are encouraged to reach out as needed, generally via their Year Level Coordinators, who will connect students with the appropriate staff to foster happy, healthy and resilient young people at WHS.

Hold fast.

Daniel Pearce

Pasco Campus Principal

STEAM Immersive Media Creation Club - incredible 360-degree innovations

The momentum at Williamstown High School’s STEAM Immersive Media Creation Club continues to build as our Years 7-10 participants push the boundaries of virtual reality content creation. Under the expert guidance of presenter Jared from Mindflight7, students have been producing incredible 360-degree videos for VR headsets that showcase the power of immersive storytelling.

Having experienced these student-created videos firsthand through our VR headsets, I can attest to the remarkable quality and creativity our students are achieving. The depth of technical skill combined with artistic vision has resulted in content that transports viewers into completely different worlds - a testament to both the students’ dedication and the cutting-edge nature of this program! Students continue to develop collaborative and individual projects that blend technical mastery with creative storytelling, building skills that will serve them well in one of the fastest-growing sectors of digital media production.

VR technology enhances Humanities learning

Innovation in immersive technology extends beyond our after-school programs and into core curriculum areas like Humanities and English. Our Year 7 Humanities team has been pioneering the integration of VR technology to enhance student understanding of historical and geographical concepts, bringing ancient civilizations and distant locations directly into the classroom.

This integration represents an exciting development in how we can leverage cutting-edge technology to deepen student engagement with traditional academic content, creating learning experiences that would have been impossible just a few years ago.

Parents and Friends try the VR experience!

Quite some time ago I had discussed with Parents and Friends Association President Cath Palin the prospect of parents trying out the VR experience, to get a real sense of what our students in Year 7 Humanities and Year 8 English see and hear when they engage with VR in the classroom. I was very pleased to be able to provide this opportunity on Monday, 19 August, at a PFA meeting and my ‘temporary students’ proved very adaptable and resilient in the face of this ever-changing tech. Please see the parents in action below, and thanks to Cath and the team for their enthusiasm!

GHD Year 10 Girls Work Experience - in progress

As this newsletter goes to publication, Year 10 students Ella Regan, Tatum Grant and Violet Elbourne are currently undertaking their five-day STEM industry placement at GHD’s Melbourne headquarters. The GHD STEM Pathways program provides invaluable exposure to real-world applications of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in addressing global challenges related to water, energy and communities.

We look forward to hearing from the team about their industry experience when they return to school, and anticipate their insights will inspire other students considering STEM pathway opportunities.

2025 School Review - deep data analysis underway

Williamstown High School teachers have been engaged in comprehensive analysis of school-based data as preparation for our official School Review, scheduled for Term 4 this year. This intensive process has involved multiple college meetings where teachers examined student, parent/guardian and staff feedback to identify key areas for improvement across our programs, processes and school environment, resulting in the formation of 12 specialised focus groups. Each group is tasked with developing evidence-based recommendations to enhance learning outcomes for our students and strengthen our school community. This collaborative approach has ensured that our improvement strategies are grounded in solid data analysis and reflect the diverse perspectives of our school community.

Over four days in Term 4, a panel of staff - internal and external - and our school reviewer will visit the school to learn more about us, and to assist us in the development of our new 2026-29 Strategic Plan. We anticipate this comprehensive review will position us well for the next phase of our school’s development and look forward to sharing outcomes with our community as the process unfolds.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful break before the last term of the year (how did we get here so quickly again?)

Gavin Clifford
Strategic Assistant Principal

Bayview ‘Quiet Space’

We are very happy to announce that we now have a ‘quiet space’ at the Bayview Campus, following strong advocacy from students, families and staff over a period of time.

Having access to a peaceful and quiet space gives our young people a chance to self-regulate when dealing with challenging emotions, which can become overwhelming. It can also serve as a quiet space to study when feeling overstimulated and having difficulty focusing when exposed to a busy and noisy classroom. The space allows our school to support students’ acute wellbeing needs, returning to the classroom and their peers once safe and comfortable to do so.

Recently, we have been very lucky to receive funding from the TreeHaus - a local Allied Health Clinic specialising in providing therapies for Mind, Body and Movement for children and adolescents. Our school received this funding to help us furnish our new quiet space with strategic furniture, lighting and emotional support tools.

In our Term 3 Celebration Assembly, staff from TreeHaus and another community organisation will visit us at Bayview to see our quiet space and talk to some of our staff and students about how it benefits our school. We are very grateful to receive such support for students from our local community!

RAISE Youth Mentoring

Our RAISE program has wrapped up after running across Terms 2 and 3. Students met weekly with their mentors to build confidence, develop resilience and feel more connected to one another and with the school. It’s been fantastic to see the growth in the group and the supportive relationships they’ve built along the way.

On 10 September we held the program graduation, where students and their mentors celebrated their time together in the program, received certificates, enjoyed food and, the real highlight, shared kind, warm words and speeches about each other and the difference RAISE has made for them. The graduation truly captured the positive influence the program has had on their journeys and we’re extremely proud of the efforts made by all.

Global Ambassadors Program

This term, 15 students participated in the Global Ambassadors Program. The program engages culturally and linguistically diverse students by providing a safe space to explore identity, culture and belonging. Throughout the sessions, students developed their personal growth and leadership skills, celebrated their cultural backgrounds, and strengthened their sense of community. Students were deeply engaged, showing openness to both share and listen, and the courage to have challenging yet powerful conversations. Students will receive certificates shortly to recognise their commitment and achievements in the program.

Yoga Program

This term, 13 girls from Years 10 and 11 completed a six-week mental health-focused yoga and mindfulness program facilitated by Camille Gaylor. The program gave students practical strategies for managing stress, regulating emotions and supporting their overall wellbeing. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many students saying it was the highlight of their week and a valuable opportunity to reflect and understand themselves better. Students also shared that the interactive activities and Camille’s supportive approach created a space where they felt safe, comfortable and able to engage with ease.

Parent Resources

We’re really proud to be able to source and promote a number of well-regarded, free programs and webinars to help our parent community understand your teenage child and support their mental health and wellbeing. Please see the links and course descriptions below to some amazing programs:

Teen Mental Health Matters webinar - Black Dog Institute

This webinar has been organised for parents and carers of the WHS community. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 15 October, from 6:30-7:30pm and can be accessed via the following Zoom link.

In this session parents will learn about:

• Understanding mental health in adolescence, including insights from the Future Proofing Study

• What is mental health and when to be concerned

• Key strategies to support adolescents

• Having the conversation - what to say and how to create a supportive environment

• Getting help - health professionals, online and digital support for parents and adolescents

• Promoting healthy habits - including building connections, sleep and screen use

“We're not psychologists and navigating your kids’ development, specifically in regards to their mental health, is often confusing and so easy to get wrong. The information they provide is so useful and actionable and can be the difference not just in your child’s wellbeing but your relationship with them. I feel grateful to have had access to this.” - parent testimonial

Tuning in to Teens

A six-week program for parents/carers to help teens develop greater emotional intelligence. You would normally have to pay for this program but Hobsons Bay Council runs it free for the community once a term, with more information via this link. Their next round is: Mondays (13 October to 24 November) 6:30-8:30pm.

The Tech Diet for Parents

Webinar: Thursday, 2 October, 7:00-08:00pm

In this online session, Brad Marshall (the ‘Unplugged Psychologist’) provides parents with real strategies based on solid psychological research to help them promote the healthy use of technology at home. Register via the link on the website.

Session overview:

• The 'psych science' that drives the addictive nature of gaming, social media and online gambling.

• When should parents panic? The warning signs your child or teenager is headed down the wrong path.

• The seven Unplugged Steps to manage screen and gaming addiction in children and teenagers at home.

ReachOut Parents

Four free 1:1 custom one-hour coaching sessions for parents/carers on general parenting support and/or teen related issues.

Parenting Podcasts

Each podcast offers practical advice, relatable perspectives and evidence-based strategies to support your teen’s mental health, study routines, sleep, screen use and overall wellbeing. We hope these resources have been and continue to be valuable resources for you in understanding the complex world of parenting teens.

Talking to Teens: Expert Tips for Parenting Teenagers

This podcast features weekly interviews with experts offering practical communication strategies and psychological insights to help parents better understand and guide their teenagers.

Understanding Teen Mental Health

Hosted by clinicians and educators, this podcast provides parents with professional, accessible advice on supporting teens through anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges and emotional growth.

Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens and Teens

Psychologist Dr Lisa Damour and journalist Reena Ninan answer real parent questions each week with research-based, compassionate advice on teen wellbeing, school stress and emotional development.

Mighty Parenting

This podcast empowers parents with tools, interviews and real-world strategies to support their teens’ mental health, motivation, independence and resilience in everyday family life.

WHSC President’s Report

Williamstown High Ranked Among the Best in the West.

We’re proud to share that Williamstown High School was ranked as the second-best performing government school in Melbourne’s western suburbs (The Age, 22 August 2025). This recognition reflects not only the strength of our students’ academic achievement, but also the values that shape our school community every day.

Our VCE results place us not only among the top government schools, but also in the company of leading non-government institutions. This achievement speaks to the dedication of our students, staff, and families, and to a school culture that values excellence, inclusion, and opportunity.

But academic results are only part of our story.

At Williamstown High, we believe success takes many forms. That’s why we support a range of pathways beyond the ATAR, including the VCE Vocational Major (VCM) and unscored VCE options. These programs empower students to pursue meaningful futures in trades, creative industries, community work, and more, all while building confidence, skills, and purpose.

As The Age article notes, the western suburbs continue to be some of our fastest growing suburbs in our nation and need more schools that offer both high achievement and genuine choice. Williamstown High is proud to be leading the way, not just in results, but in values: respect, integrity, and a belief in every student’s potential.

We thank our community for continuing to support a school that’s not only high-performing, but deeply committed to preparing young people for life beyond the classroom, wherever that path may lead.

As we close off term three, our year 12 students enter the final phase of their schooling career. While I’m sure you will be studying hard over the term break, I hope you do get some time to reflect on all that you have achieved this year and all the years preceding. I wish you all the very best for the final term and I know you will do the school, your families and yourselves proud.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Anna McMahon, our school council executive secretary, all the best as she departs on maternity leave. Anna has been an amazing support and friend, we look forward to meeting the new addition to her family.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing break as we head into Spring and finals footy – GO PIES! Hold Fast.

Regards

Kane Harnden

School Council President

Year 7s Add to ‘Emotional Toolbox’

On Friday, 15 August, all Year 7 students participated in a workshop looking at how our emotions can get the better of us and possibly lead to friendship breakdowns, arguments and even fights.

Using a soft drink bottle as a metaphor for our bodies, students were made aware of how experiencing unfairness, falling short, embarrassing moments, missing out and having low energy can “shake” our bottle and lead to feeling overwhelmed, angry and sad. Students were then shown tools they can use to calm themselves down before things spill over.

These tools included slowing down their breathing, lowering body temperature, using some energy, connecting with their senses, and activities to switch between tense and relaxed.

Here is what some Year 7 students said about the workshop:

Emaira Tomar (7F)

“The workshop helped me to learn how to cope with strong emotions and stay calm. The workshop taught special techniques to not explode and stay calm. There were interesting skills like cooling down, engaging the five senses, being active, regulating your heartbeat, relaxing muscles and distracting yourself. Overall, I felt this was very helpful as everyone often deals with emotions that are difficult to control.”

Jack Lunt (7E)

“The workshop helped me because whenever I get mad or angry I use the techniques to help me calm down. The main one I use is thinking I am a Coke bottle because it cracks me up and I stop feeling angry :) ”

Shaurya Singh (7B)

“The workshop helped me to understand how to help myself mentally in any situation and what to do if someone is feeling down. It also helped me understand why or how I might feel a particular way and what I can do to change that. Overall, it was a nice experience.”

Student Awards

Continuing from Semester 1, every teacher across Years 7-12 will nominate a ‘Student of the Term’ for each of their classes. This student will be recognised for their consistent effort, positive attitude and contribution to class throughout the term. Each nominated student will receive a handwritten card from their teacher, along with a movie voucher for the Sun Theatre in Yarraville - a small token of appreciation for their hard work and commitment, and a chance to have a great day out during the upcoming school holidays!

Upholding School Values

Congratulations to the following students who will receive awards determined by teacher nominations as part of the End of Term 3 Celebration Assembly being held on Friday, 19 September.

Creativity and Excellence: Scarlett Weir (7B) and Helen Wu (7B)

Integrity and Honesty: Shouei He (7H) and Gretchen Juratowitch (7K)

Diversity and Inclusion: Isabel Carter (7K) and Ella Atkins (7A)

Strong and Open Communication: Laurence Moll (7A) and Lucas Powell (7B)

Commitment: Ruby Duckworth (7D) and Oscar Broadhurst (7J)

Another great term for Year 7!

Term 3 has been a busy and rewarding time for our Year 8 students, with plenty of opportunities for learning, teamwork and growth both inside and outside the classroom.

We celebrated some exciting achievements this term, with 8D closing out the AFL Tipping Competition and enjoying a well-deserved Hot Wings lunch, while 8I took out the Homegroup Volleyball Competition.

Students have also been working toward their Year 9 subject selections, with activities in homegroup encouraging them to explore possible career pathways. We encourage families to continue these discussions at home to support their decision-making.

Volleyball Competition

The Year 8 Volleyball Competition was an intense and exciting event that brought out the best in every team. Held during lunchtime, students battled it out on the court in a series of fast-paced, high-energy matches. The atmosphere was electric, with cheering crowds and close scores keeping everyone on edge.

While the competition was fierce, the event was also filled with laughter, teamwork, and great sportsmanship. Each team showed incredible determination, and players quickly learned how to communicate and rely on each other, making it a fantastic team-building experience. For many, it was their first real taste of competitive volleyball, and the challenge only made it more fun.

The ultimate prize: A giant tray of delicious Hot Wings for the winning team - a spicy reward that added even more fire to the competition! Overall, it was a memorable time for sport, bonding and friendly rivalry, with 8I and 8E going head-to-head in the grand final. Go 8I!!!

Silver C and Kayli C (8I)

AFL Tipping Competition

The Year 8 Footy Tipping competition was fun and easy to follow this term. Each week the majority of our homegroup was excited to put in tips and talk about the games. At the start of the competition we were losing but we had a really good comeback around the middle of the AFL season. When we found out 8D had won, everyone cheered and was really happy. Our prize was chicken and chips from Hot Wings, and we all shared them to celebrate. The best part of the competition was having fun and enjoying it with the class.

Mara L (8D)

The homegroup curriculum this term has focused on bullying and cyber safety, highlighted by a visit from Victoria Police in Week 4. Students have also been working on finalising their academic and personal goals for Semester 2, giving them a chance to reflect on their progress and set clear directions for the remainder of the year.

A massive congratulations to our students involved in the RAISE program, who have just graduated. It has been a valuable opportunity for students to build confidence, strengthen resilience, and develop positive strategies for both school and life.

Looking ahead to Term 4, we are excited to welcome Elephant Ed, which will deliver a series of incursions focusing on Body Image and Respectful Relationships, which will link closely to our homegroup program.

A big thank you to families for your support regarding uniform and punctuality, which have been key focus areas this term. This work has helped students get the most out of their learning, and in Term 4 we will continue to emphasise the importance of getting to class on time.

Finally, congratulations to the following students who received our Term 3 Awards (presented at this term’s celebration assembly):

Well done to all Year 8 students for their efforts and achievements throughout Term 3. We are looking forward to an exciting and engaging Term 4 ahead.

This term feels like it has flown by and we are nine weeks further into the year.

Excursion to Shrine of Remembrance

As part of their study of World War I in Humanities class, our Year 9 students recently visited the Shrine of Remembrance in the city. This excursion provided them with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the experiences and sacrifices of our brave servicemen during the war.

Alongside the Shrine, students explored other significant historical sites across the city, connecting their classroom learning with real-world history.

One of our students, Willow King from 9D, reflected on the day and shared her thoughts on the impact of visiting these important places.

“Our excursion into the city was such an eye-opening experience into what we’ve been learning about World War I this term. We began at Government House before heading to the historic Speaker’s Corner, where we could really grasp a sense of what it would’ve been like to hear powerful speeches and debates that once shaped public opinion.

We continued to Parliament House of Victoria, where we discussed how leaders and communities responded during the war, and were able to see where many significant decisions were, and still are, made. Standing outside Victoria Barracks and seeing the historic cannon positioned outside really gave us insight into the military’s presence during WWI.

Lastly, we finished our excursion at the Shrine of Remembrance, which gave us time to reflect and honour the soldiers and their sacrifices, while also having the opportunity to see many artifacts and monumental displays.”

- Willow King (9D)

Immersion Oral Presentations

An important part of the Immersion program is the oral presentation, which provides students an opportunity to share their personal experience of the program with their families. Below are some excerpts from the closing statements of our Term 3 presentations:

“I think my personal skill development is organisation. I think this is because I always finished my assigned work on time, and made sure every group member had a specific job so we could finish our task efficiently. For example, we would each have a role like cutting out or making paper chains while others did research; this helped us get our work done and made sure no one was left out. This skill might be beneficial for my future in school and employment because both require that skill. For example, I can manage my time accordingly, get to work and school on time, get work and assignments done on time and a lot more.”

- Aaliyah Fallace (9H)

“Some skills that I have developed throughout this term include listening and communication. These are very important for many things in life. I am happy that I have developed these skills. Another skill I think I have developed is time management, as I would try to set a time when I needed to do work on our board, to make it have more information and make it look better. These skills can help in my future life because I want to do something in a kitchen. For a chef in this workplace, these skills are very important as I need to communicate with other chefs, and I’ll have a certain amount of time to cook or prepare meals for people.”

- Chester Pobjoy (9F)

Year 9 Homegroup Curriculum

Our Year 9 students have been exploring the issue of vaping and its impact on young people as part of their homegroup curriculum. Through discussions and activities, students are building awareness of the health risks and developing strategies to make informed choices.

Lockers and Uniform

Thank you to families who have supported their child in wearing the correct uniform each day. We have collected student feedback through the Google Classroom for the cohort as part of a school-wide review for the uniform, and are currently looking at what we can implement.

If your child needs a new uniform, the uniform shop hours are:

• Tuesdays 1:00pm-4:30pm

• Wednesdays 8:00am-11:00am

• Thursdays 1:00pm-4:30pm

We have seen an increase in the number of Year 9s with a lock on their locker to keep their belongings secure. We know that some students’ locks are experiencing wear. This would be a good time for families to check in with their child to see that their lock is still functioning properly.

End of Term Awards

There was a huge amount of academic achievement and growth this term. During assembly, we had the opportunity to acknowledge students for their work. Congratulations to our award winners for this term:

Year 10 Update

As we move through Term 3, our Year 10 students have been involved in a number of important events and learning opportunities that will help prepare them for their future pathways.

Course Counselling

Over the past two weeks, students have been completing their course counselling sessions with their homegroup teachers to support subject selections for Year 11 - in either the VCE or VCE VM pathways. This has been a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on their interests, strengths and future goals while seeking advice from teachers and course counsellors. Thank you to families for engaging in this process with their children, ensuring each student is supported to make informed decisions about their learning journey.

Students who have not yet returned VET forms are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Thanks to Susan Bridges (VET administration), Andre Bernardi (VET Coordinator), Anna Bovdis (Careers Leader), Hanh Vu (Curriculum Leader) and Ash Lubinz (VCE VM Coordinator).

Student Achievement

Congratulations to Lucas Newbury, who has just returned from South Korea having represented Australia in the Under-16 Asia Pacific Lacrosse Championship. The Australian team, in fact, won the competition. What a fantastic achievement.

Congratulations to the following students for demonstrating the school’s values in their everyday practice:

• Shown integrity and honesty in their actions and/or relationships:

  • Nicholas Bettiol and Tatum Grant

• Displayed strong and open communication:

  • Isabella Colling and Bella McCarthur

• Exhibited a commitment to social justice and contributed toward a positive school culture:

  • Ruby Lombardo and Hayden Montgomery

• Been a positive role model, demonstrating inclusiveness:

  • Jaia Dang and June Bailey

• Demonstrated excellence and creativity in achievement and ambition:

  • Ngoc Binh Minh and Ava Palser

Congratulations to the following students for achieving the student-of-the-term award in their subject area:

Vaping Incursion

Our cohort also participated in a recent incursion focused on vaping awareness. This was run by Barwon Health. The session provided important information about the health risks of vaping, the impact on decision-making, and strategies for resisting peer pressure. Students were encouraged to ask questions, challenge misconceptions, and consider the long-term impacts of their choices. For those who were away for the incursion, we are working with our nurse to develop a follow-up program.

Student Voice Matters

Recently we received our Attitudes to School Survey data from the Education Department. Some of the results varied greatly based on gender. We spoke with the cohort about the results and their feedback has given us valuable insights into student engagement, wellbeing and perceptions of the school environment.

We thank all Year 10s for their honest input, which will help guide improvements and ensure their voices are central to shaping our school culture. We look forward to working with nominated students to develop future ideas.

World Challenge Trivia Night and Silent Auction

On Friday, 12 September a number of Year 10 students who will be attending the World Challenge trip to Nepal at the end of the year assisted in running a fantastic trivia night at Pasco Campus to raise funds for the community service component of the expedition. Over 25 teams competed against each other across seven rounds of trivia, and at the end of the night a bonus question was needed to separate the first three teams at the top of the leaderboard. A great night was had by everyone in attendance, with approximately $1500 raised on the night.

Alongside the fundraising efforts of the trivia night, an online silent auction was also held in the same week, with a number of different items available for members of the school community to bid on. Again, approximately $1500 was raised through this auction, meaning $3000 will be contributed to allow our students to assist communities in Nepal.

The school would like to thank the following organisations, businesses, and families for their extremely generous contributions to the fundraising efforts of the silent auction and trivia night:

• Richmond Football Club

• Westgate Party Hire

• Williamstown Football Club

• Melbourne Royal Show

• Marriner Group

• Wynns Coonawarra Estate

• Stretch Club

• Dobson's School Uniforms

• Cocoa Latte

• The Stags Head Hotel

• H&H Canteens

• Carnovale Pharmacy

• The Smith family

• Christine Dening

• The Woolford family

• The Shaw family

• The Mead family

• Cath Palin

R U OK? Day

Lastly, we also recognised R U OK? Day as a whole school. Year 10 students were reminded about the importance of checking in with friends, looking out for one another, and seeking support if they are struggling. It was a powerful reminder that a simple conversation can make a big difference.

Our Year 10 students wrote positive messages to support others, which will be put on display. We are very fortunate that our students are supported by Alanah Mielak (Youth Worker), Darcy Murphy (School Nurse) and Celina Aguinar (Wellbeing Coordinator), who will be running some interesting programs for our students in Weeks 1-4 of Term 4, as well as our Classroom Focus Alumni Program led by Jesse Craig (Student Enhancement Leader).

We are proud of how the Year 10s are engaging with these experiences - balancing academic preparation for their senior years with building resilience, wellbeing and strong connections within our school community.

Thank you for your continued support.

Chris Blattman and Isabella O’Malley

Year 11 Update

What a term it’s been for our Year 11s! As we speed through this short but action-packed Term 3, we’ve seen our students balancing study with some exciting new experiences, competitions and opportunities for growth.

Survivor: Year 11 Edition

This term marked the launch of the inaugural Year 11 Survivor Competition and it’s safe to say it has been a hit! Our 11 homegroups were split into two tribes and have been battling it out in weekly immunity challenges and tribal councils. We’ve now officially hit the merge, with seven homegroups left in the running for the ultimate prize.

Some of the biggest highlights so far? The infamous eating contest (yes, sardines and Weet-Bix were on the menu…) and a fiercely competitive Connect 4 showdown. The competition has brought plenty of laughter and excitement, giving students a much-needed break from the pressures of their studies.

Elephant Education Incursion

Our students also participated in an Elephant Education incursion focused on consent and respectful relationships. The session was engaging and eye-opening, giving Year 11s important tools and knowledge to take into their lives beyond school.

Celebration Assembly Award Winners

Congratulations to the following students who received awards determined by teacher nominations as part of the End of Term Celebration Assembly held on Friday, 19 September:

Creativity and Excellence: Chilli Williams and Tyson Parker

Integrity and Honesty: Elizabeth Kokolios and Emmi Zappia

Diversity and Inclusion: Morgan Lee and Cynthia Cao

Strong and Open Communication: Toby Whitehurst and Bidaya Said Omar

Commitment: Madelyn Nguyen and Cooper Eltham

Lock Smith Spotlight

Congratulations to our latest Lock Smith Award winner, Hannah Blamires. During her Health class visit to the local kindergarten, Hannah absolutely shone. She quickly became a favourite with the children, so much so that the entire kinder group was following her lead! Her enthusiasm, care and ability to connect with the kids truly embodied what the Lock Smith Award is all about.

Real-World Skills in Action

Our VCE-VM students had the invaluable opportunity to take part in mock job interviews with support from the Williamstown Rotary Club. Dressed to impress in formal attire, students gained confidence and practical experience, setting them up for success when they step into the workforce.

for success when they step into the workforce.

World Challenge Trivia Night and Silent Auction

On Friday, 12 September a number of Year 11 students who will be attending the World Challenge trip to Nepal at the end of the year assisted in running a fantastic trivia night at Pasco Campus to raise funds for the community service component of the expedition. Over 25 teams competed against each other across seven rounds of trivia, and at the end of the night a bonus question was needed to separate the first three teams at the top of the leaderboard. A great night was had by everyone in attendance, with approximately $1500 raised on the night.

Alongside the fundraising efforts of the trivia night, an online silent auction was also held in the same week, with a number of different items available for members of the school community to bid on. Again, approximately $1500 was raised through this auction, meaning $3000 will be contributed to allow our students to assist communities in Nepal.

The school would like to thank the following organisations, businesses, and families for their extremely generous contributions to the fundraising efforts of the silent auction and trivia night:

• Richmond Football Club

• Westgate Party Hire

• Williamstown Football Club

• Melbourne Royal Show

• Marriner Group

• Wynns Coonawarra Estate

• Stretch Club

• Dobson's School Uniforms

• Cocoa Latte

• The Stags Head Hotel

• H&H Canteens

• Carnovale Pharmacy

• The Smith family

• Christine Dening

• The Woolford family

• The Shaw family

• The Mead family

• Cath Palin

Final Stretch of the Term

It’s been a quick but productive term and, as always, we’re incredibly proud of the way our Year 11s are navigating their studies and responsibilities. For those completing a Year 12 subject, eyes are already turning toward final exams just around the corner. With focus, resilience and a supportive community, we know our students will rise to the challenge.

Here’s to a strong finish to Term 3 and plenty of momentum heading into the rest of the year!

Jaslyn Walker & Angus Rodda, the Year 11 Team

The final few weeks of Term 3 are a tense time for Year 12; in many ways, the final round of SACs that fall for each subject in Weeks 7 and 8 are far more stressful than the Term 4 examination period. Studying for exams is relatively simple: they are often spaced out and once they’re done, they’re done. The end of this term is harder than that because, even once a SAC is done, the information has to be retained and filed away, ready to be accessed again in October and November.

At the same time, there is a feeling of excitement bubbling away! As overwhelming as the stress can be sometimes, it is also coupled with the feeling that the shackles are about to come off, and that ‘real life’ (whatever that is!) is about to start.

The preparation for exams was buoyed in Week 8 with an incursion from Elevate Education. Each year they send someone to Williamstown High to talk about different revision strategies, both in terms of how students can retain content, but also with respect to how they can look after themselves throughout the exam period. The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive; it is the type of presentation that almost every student walks out of with one or two new tips that they can implement.

As the academic pressure heats up, so too does the competition for the 2025 edition of the Year 12 Homegroup Games. The classes have battled through rounds of trivia (with a particularly woeful showing in the Australian Music category!), games on the futsal courts, tunnel ball on the basketball courts, and a host of novelty games.

The highlight for Term 3 was the self-portrait competition, with students given a frighteningly short amount of time to create a blindfolded self-portrait. The AI-assisted judging awarded the title to Mackenzie Speakman, whose portrait seemed to capture her enthusiasm toward school, and blended it with a clear flair for the surreal!

In addition to group activities, it was also wonderful to be able to recognise some individual excellence at the end of term. The following students were recognised in our Celebration Assembly for their ability to best embody the school values:

• Kai Brook and Carl Ringleben (Integrity and Honesty)

• Alexandra Kokolios and Lucius Satchell (Strong and Open Communication)

• Chloe Hodgman and Ngoc Han Nguyen (Commitment)

• Archie Bentley and Kaitlin Muftar (Diversity and Inclusion)

• Liam Kaye and Darcy Schneider (Creativity and Excellence)

Alongside this, the year at the movies continues: we have touched on Galaxy Quest, a range of literary adaptations, The Big Lebowski, and a range of films that celebrate the multicultural stories that have shaped Australia.

The end of term brings a continuation of a relatively new tradition at Williamstown High: Year 12 students dressing as teachers. Imitation is, allegedly, the sincerest form of flattery; this cohort appears to be very sincere indeed! As we move into the final break, complete with revision lectures and practice exams, I hope that these affectionate simulations are in fact a reflection of the strong relationships between students and teachers that form the backbone of Year 12, and make the school such an exciting place to be.

David Urwin and Ian Hume

There are some great VET events happening in the Williamstown High School Community.

VET Sport and Recreation

Carlton FC Industry Experience Workshop

Our VET Sport, Aquatics and Recreation students visited Carlton Football Club for an industry experience workshop, gaining valuable insights and hands-on learning as part of their Deliver Recreation Sessions unit.

Students Train Teachers

Our VET Sport and Recreation students put their learning into practice by leading a group fitness session for Williamstown High School teachers, showcasing their skills as part of the Deliver Recreation Sessions unit.

VET Music Performance and Music Sound.

VET Music Night

The VET Certificate III in Music Performance course requires students to develop a ‘set’ of music for a live audience. As well as being a core assessment task for the first year students, this performance provides valuable practice for the Units 3&4 performance examinations coming up in October. This evening will be held in our Centenary Theatre on 17 September from 5:30-8:30pm.

Students will play a diverse range of music in a variety of ensembles and solos. On the night you will hear rock, pop, electronic and jazz musicians playing a selection of pieces from their programs. Family and friends of those performers are welcome to attend. An audience will give the students an opportunity to deal with their performance nerves, trial their chosen repertoire, and receive feedback from a live audience.

As students will be showing their full programs, the concert will begin at 5:30pm with our first year, Units 1&2, students’ performances followed by the Units 3&4 performances beginning at about 6:30pm. The audience is welcome to attend either or both concerts. Thank you for your support of all the VET Music students.

Richard Giles and Lachlan Wyatt

Term 3 is the term of transition at the Pasco Campus. On 31 July, Year 10 students and their families attended the Year 10 to 11 Information Evening and Subject Supermarket. Held for the first time in the VCE Study Centre, the Subject Supermarket is always a highlight of the year and a great showcase of the breadth and depth of the VCE program at Williamstown High School, both in the number of subjects on offer and the level of expertise of the teachers teaching them.

This was then followed by the Year 10 Course Counselling day on 21 August during which the Year 10 students received further counselling for their subject choices. It was impressive to see the majority of Year 10 students coming to the appointment having done proper research and having given careful consideration to their future pathways.

As Year 10 students are about to begin their VCE journey, the Year 12 students are gearing up for the final stretch of theirs. The last few weeks of the term have truly been a monumental challenge for the Year 12s, juggling study for multiple SACs and SATs while commencing their preparations for the end-of-year examinations. Term 3 also marks the final school term for our VCE unscored and VCE VM students before they embark on future studies and employment.

While many students are looking forward to relaxing in the upcoming Term 3 break, for our Year 12 scored students, this term break will be the busiest yet, with revision lectures, masterclasses and trial examinations running in preparation for the end-of-year examination in Term 4.

This term has been an exciting one for the Teaching and Learning Team at Williamstown High School. We held a Curriculum Day where teachers across the college worked together to break down the principles of the new Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0. This is currently in its first year of implementation, with the plan to have it fully integrated into the school by 2028.

Staff examined the Science of Learning principles that underpin VTLM 2.0, which aims to harness attention, memory, recall and application of concepts to maximise all students’ learning and engagement. With this understanding, staff worked in their subject area teams to adapt evidence-based routines for teaching and learning into their lesson planning and curriculum documentation.

Many staff have also continued to engage in Learning Walks, where teachers in subjects ranging from Humanities to Food Tech opened up their classrooms to demonstrate the variety of teaching and learning strategies that they have integrated into their practice. It was clear that teachers had spent time setting up clear expectations and routines with their classes to ensure that students were focused and safe when using machinery or other equipment. Many actively modelled knowledge and skills throughout their lessons, with gradual release before students were given time to apply their learning independently.

There have also been many exciting developments in STEAM at Williamstown High School’s Bayview Campus this year. In June, accompanied by Ms Alanah Meilak and Ms Sarah Barry, Daniel B, Sebastian H, Ava B and Ava C from Year 8 participated in the first ever national FUSE Cup x MindFlight7 BeatSaber VR Competition, where they competed against students from non-government schools in the Melbourne division.

Each student did a phenomenal job in their respective heats. Daniel even made it into the semifinals and ranked fifth overall in the state, narrowly missing out on a place in the grand final! A fantastic time was had by all and we look forward to participating in future esports competitions.

In July, a selection of our female students from Years 7 to 9 had the incredible opportunity to attend the Go Girls, Go for IT! event at Deakin University, which aims to promote career pathways in STEM to girls. They were able to participate in hands-on workshops, hear from leading innovators within the industry and explore the latest tech. Here were some of the highlights, in their own words:

“Some stuff that we got to do was coding a game. We had to get a cat through the maze from our coding. You could also make the cat humongous or tiny.” - Isabel C, Year 7

“Some highlights were the tech trade show. It was very uplifting to see so many other girls with a passion for STEM.” - Gauri G, Year 8

“Some of the highlights of the excursion to Deakin University were probably when we got to brainstorm ideas for an app that is like a virtual pet for kids. We all got given love heart stickers on the part of the game developing we would want to do in the future. Apart from all the amazing activities we got to do it was also really cool to just walk around the building. It has very unique architecture that was really nice to look around at. You could also smell the delicious cafe food. All the volunteers who came to help were also really nice.” - Zoe B, Year 7

A big thank you as well to Mr Nicholas Axaris and Ms Sandie Johnstone, who accompanied students on the day. This fantastic day couldn’t have happened without their support!

The beginning of Semester 2 also marked the beginning of VR use for our Year 7 students. Throughout the term, a dedicated team of VR Captains have engaged in VR tech and maintenance training, learning how to troubleshoot common software problems and even testing out some brand-new, never-before-seen apps.

Thanks to this training, the Year 7 classes this term have been able to engage with VR to explore the water cycle in different locations around the world. Similarly, the SEALP class has been able to examine liveability in one of the world’s least liveable cities, using their observations to discuss economic disparity and the ethics associated with growing wealth.

We’re so excited to see what the rest of the year is going to bring!

Yr 10 Adventure & Community - Tide Clean Up with ParksVic

During Term 3, our Year 10 Adventure and Community students participated in a Parks Victoria excursion where they assisted with cleaning up debris left behind by recent high tides. This activity gave students the opportunity to contribute positively to the local environment.

Through this hands-on experience, students demonstrated teamwork, a good work ethic and a give-and-take mindset, recognising the importance of working together to support and care for the community. It was both a meaningful and educational experience for all involved.

Mount Stirling Camp

During Term 3, our Units 1&2 Outdoor and Environment Studies students attended a cross-country ski camp at Mount Stirling. Over several days, students developed and refined their skiing skills while navigating diverse alpine terrain under varying conditions. This immersive experience fostered teamwork, resilience and a strong work ethic, as students supported one another to meet the physical and mental challenges of skiing.

The camp was both an enriching and enjoyable opportunity for students to build their skills, strengthen connections and deepen their appreciation for the natural environment.

Air Locker Excursion

Our Year 11 Physical Education students attended a training session at Air Locker fitness centre, where they experienced a high-intensity workout in a simulated high-altitude environment. This excursion linked directly to their studies on acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise and the effects of training at altitude. Students were able to apply their classroom learning in a practical setting while testing their own limits under challenging conditions.

Wheelchair Basketball

Year 11 PE students participated in a wheelchair basketball incursion as part of their studies on participation and inclusion in sport. This interactive session allowed students to experience firsthand the skills, tactics and physical demands involved in wheelchair basketball while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by athletes with disabilities.

The incursion fostered teamwork, empathy and a strong work ethic as students encouraged and supported one another throughout the activities. It was a highly engaging and educational experience that broadened students’ perspectives on inclusive sporting practices.

Carlton FC Industry Experience Workshop

Our VET Sport, Aquatics and Recreation students visited Carlton Football Club for an industry experience workshop, gaining valuable insights and hands-on learning as part of their Deliver Recreation Sessions unit.

Students Train Teachers

Our VET Sport and Recreation students put their learning into practice by leading a group fitness session for Williamstown High School teachers, showcasing their skills as part of the Deliver Recreation Sessions unit.

According to the Australia Reads 2023 research review, “Reading is four times more influential on intellectual progress in teens than having a parent with a degree.” Four times. Independent reading for pleasure is also associated with far-reaching health benefits, from alleviating depression and dementia to improving empathy and self-esteem. No one who has ever fallen in love with a novel would need these statistics to know full well the power of reading.

Earlier this term, our students participated in a wide range of activities for Book Week. The running theme this year was ‘Book an Adventure’, celebrating the ways great literature can transport us through space and time. Walking down the halls, one could travel from Panem to Middle-earth, down the rabbit hole into Wonderland and through Hogwarts, as students decorated classroom doors and windows with odes to their favorite novels. In the library - always the epicenter of Book Week - students engaged in blackout poetry, scavenger hunts and spelling bees.

In an age where independent reading is falling victim to the algorithm, it is more important than ever to champion books.

Principal’s Writing Competition - Lost and Found

“All cannot be lost when there is still so much being found.” - Lemony Snicket

This year’s Principal’s Writing Competition inspired students across Bayview and Pasco to explore the theme ‘Lost and Found’. Student entries captured diverse and creative perspectives, proving that great writing can turn loss into discovery.

Lunchtime writing workshops were held at both campuses, giving students the opportunity to brainstorm, draft and polish their ideas with support from peers and staff.

Fittingly, during Book Week, students also had the opportunity to attend an afternoon creative writing and illustration masterclass with popular author and illustrator, Zeno Sworder. Zeno shared his very interesting childhood experiences and, in between snippets of wisdom and inspiration, read his book ‘My Strange Shrinking Parents’ aloud to students. It was an immensely positive experience for all our budding writers and illustrators.

“My favourite takeaway from the workshop, and something that really resonated with me, was the message that you don't have to be a good artist to be able to tell a story - anyone can do it.” - Lucy, Year 9

“The illustrator’s visit was very enjoyable and I am very grateful the illustrator Zeno Sworder took the time out of his day to visit us and give us a very fun lesson.” - Elodie, Year 8

Overall, the Principal’s Writing Competition received a record number of submissions this year, showcasing the creativity and talent in our school community.

Judging was no easy task, but after much consideration we are proud to congratulate all entrants for their hard work and imagination. Special recognition goes to Anja Sajnovic (Bayview) and Shaan Saini (Pasco), who were awarded the prestigious Esteemed Writer’s Award.

The winners at Bayview were:

Graphic Novel/Illustrated Story Text: Anja Sajnovic

Persuasive Text: Edward Stacey

Poetry/Lyrics: Lukas Powell

Narrative Fiction Text: Elodie Young

The four winners in their respective categories at Pasco were

Shaan Saini for “The Poseidon Award”- The Cost of Blending in’

Anais McColl for “The Amphitrite Award”- ‘It’s gonna be me’

Hayden Galea for “The Triton Award” - ‘Him and his Wife’

Imogen Turton for “The Proteus Award” -’Lost and Found’

All winners received a showbag of prizes that included having their work published in an anthology and their names inscribed on the Williamstown High School Honours Board.

Thank you to everyone who took part - you’ve shown that writing is alive and thriving at our school. Many thanks also to Alice and Marnie, our school librarians, and Rohan Clifford for their ongoing efforts and support of our students.

We can’t wait to see what next year’s competition will uncover!

In Term 3, the Bayview Mathematics Team proudly hosted Mathematics Week at Williamstown High School, running from Monday, 4 August, to Thursday, 7 August. The week coincided with the Australian Mathematics Competition, a highlight of the mathematics calendar.

The AMC is a 30-question challenge designed to showcase the power and relevance of mathematics in everyday life. Open to students from Years 3 to 12, it is written each year by leading Australian educators who carefully design problems aligned with the national curriculum.

At Bayview, around 120 students took part in the AMC, including every student in the Year 7 and 8 SEALP program. Congratulations to all participants for demonstrating commitment, curiosity and academic perseverance as they took on this national challenge. We look forward to celebrating their results once they are released.

Alongside the AMC, Mathematics Week featured a full program of activities for students across the campus, including:

• Mathematics Meme-Master Competition

• Mathematics Art Competition (theme: The Art of Infinity)

• Lunchtime challenges: Rubik’s Cube, Lock Box, the Time Game and Maths Trivia

• Atrium and library displays

• Homegroup Kahoot quizzes

• Even maths-inspired bell music ringing through the corridors!

Meme-Master Competition - Student Vote

🥇 1st - Maya Bloxham (8J)
🥈 2nd - Eloise Robson (8J)
🥉 3rd - Ava Caldwell (8J)

Meme-Master Competition - Teacher Vote

🥇 1st - Silver Chrisant (8I)
🥈 2nd - Omid Ighaniyan (8G)
🥉 3rd - Eloise Robson (8J)

Mathematics + Art Competition
🥇 1st - Devin Bradley (8J)
🥈 2nd - Mila William (7G)
🥉 3rd - Jasper Hunt (7H)

The enthusiasm shown by students throughout the week was outstanding, and the level of participation highlighted the strength of our mathematics community at Bayview. A big thank you goes to the teaching staff whose support and creativity helped make Mathematics Week such a success.

The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, with both students and staff commenting on the variety, challenge and fun the week brought to learning mathematics. We are already brimming with ideas for Mathematics Week 2026 - stay tuned!

Felicity Christmass
Bayview Mathematics Team Leader

The cooler weather has made getting outside a bit harder lately, but that hasn’t stopped the Humanities team at the senior campus from creating fun, engaging and educational experiences for our students without having to leave the classroom.

In an inspiring demonstration of multiculturalism, Mr Lilley’s Year 12 History class held a joint commemoration in July of both US Independence Day and France’s Bastille Day. The students feasted on traditional French fare of croissants and posed in front of the star-spangled banner, which was an appropriate substitute for the traditional Fourth of July fireworks while indoors. The lesson was capped with a viewing of a riveting documentary on the fall of the Ancien Régime in France.

Mr Gentry’s Philosophy class was lucky to enjoy a guest lecture by Dr Jenny Judge, a lecturer in Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science at the University of Melbourne. The Year 11 students were treated to a presentation on aesthetics and the work of German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. They finished off the day with an informative Q&A session and gained a deeper appreciation of the work and life of an actual philosopher.

Guest lecture on aesthetics, Arthur Schopenhauer and a Q&A about what it’s like to study at university and be a philosopher.

Next meeting:

Tuesday 7 October, 7.30pm @ Bayview campus and online

Guest speakers – Year Level Coordinators from both campuses will present on the Homegroup Curriculums in 2026. Depending on the level of info that comes home from your young people, you may not realise how much content is covered in the homegroup sessions throughout the year. This will be a great opportunity for the YLCs to connect with families and discuss how best the homegroup curriculum supports students.

VR Headset demonstration

At the last PFA meeting, Gavin Clifford gave on on-site presentation about the use of VR headsets within the Humanities and English curriculum at the Bayview Campus. Parents then got an opportunity to give them a try and we were able to get an idea of how immersive an experience they produce. It’s easy to see how they can act as creative prompts and lead to greater understanding of different eras/countries/experiences. Many thanks to Gavin for taking the time to attend our meeting.

PFA funding of new sports uniforms

In 2024 and 2025 the PFA has funded new sets of WHS sport kit to be worn at interschool competitions for Bayview and Pasco students. They include 44 sets of generic sports tops and socks, 48 x AFL tops, 30 x reversible basketball tops, 30 x netball tops, and 16 x junior soccer tops. These replace existing mismatched and sometimes ill-fitting uniforms and will give students a boost as they play in their smart new WHS kit.

Bunnings Sausage Sizzle fundraiser – Sat Oct 4

The PFA’s next fundraiser is a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle at the Millers Rd store on Sat 4 Oct (the last Sat of the holidays). Click below to sign up for a shift, to help raise funds for extra resources for Willi High students.

https://volunteersignup.org/TJEQL

We hope to see you at a meeting soon. Keep an eye out for Compass posts about upcoming meetings, or email us at presidentwhspfa@gmail.com to receive PFA updates. You can also join the WHS Parents and Friends Association Facebook page.